Intel Core i7-3960X: Launch-day pricing and availability

We were left feeling slightly deflated by the lack of real innovation in Intel's latest Sandy Bridge Extreme processors, but perhaps there's no real need for groundbreaking new technologies.

As it stands, the two LGA 2011 chips - the Core i7-3960X and Core i7-3930K - have enough power to storm past Intel's existing range, and in terms of out-and-out performance, they make the rival Bulldozer look more like a Forklift.

They are, quite simply, the fastest desktop processors going, and that's all the incentive an enthusiast requires. But how much can you expect to pay for the ulta-high-end joys on day one? To get an overall picture, here's a snapshot of what was available at 5pm on launch day.

Pricing for the top-of-the-line Core i7-3960X has been fluctuating throughout the day, but shop smart and you'll now be able to pick it up at just under the £800 mark.

That's still a substantial amount, mind you, and there's little chance of picking up a more affordable option. We already know that the fabled third-rung part - the quad-core Core i7-3820 - has been put back, and the second-tier Core i7-3930K doesn't appear to be in stock at any of the usual suspects.

So, anybody coughed up the £800-odd to stay on the cutting edge of Intel CPU technology?

As for the comment about AMD, I wouldn't say there's no competition at all from them. From a price/performance standpoint, I'd still be drawn to bulldozer over 2600k as mobo's are cheaper and the 990fx chipset is (in my opinion) better than z68/p67 etc…at least, for what I want it for anyway.

AMD chips are still a viable option imo, especially once more benchmarks/software/games start making use of the new instruction sets offered. They just can't compete at the top end of the scale with Intel but really, would all the money and time they'd have to invest to be able to do so, against the well established Intel, really be worth it? Surely at that price point they'd be putting in a lot of effort and money for a microscopic piece of the proverbial pie?

Brewster0101This is clearly Intel screwing the consumer over as they know they have no competition from AMD now. Taste of things to come if AMD don't do something about it.

Why it it that every single time Intel release an expensive top end CPU, people say this?Have people got no memory? This has always been the case. AMD also charged obscene amounts of money for their original FX CPU's. They would be charging the same amount for their bulldozer CPU's is they were fast enough.

badassWhy it it that every single time Intel release an expensive top end CPU, people say this?Have people got no memory? This has always been the case. AMD also charged obscene amounts of money for their original FX CPU's. They would be charging the same amount for their bulldozer CPU's is they were fast enough.

Whoa that looks really aggressive!Read it, but in a light hearted, playful way instead! That's the way it's intended. :)